Starting at uni is an exciting time. But it can also be daunting. To reach your unlimited potential, you’re first faced with choosing a degree (or degrees), what uni you want to go to, and how to apply.

As a student at Western Sydney University, you become part of a dynamic, thriving and culturally rich community. There are diverse opportunities for sport and recreation, entertainment, going out and engaging with the community – both on and off campus.

Western Sydney University values academic excellence, integrity and the pursuit of knowledge. Ranked in the top two per cent of unis in the world, we are globally focused, research-led and committed to making a positive impact on the communities we engage with.

Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies

There is an urgent need for Humanitarian Workers worldwide. Western is taking the lead in training the next generation of qualified Humanitarian and Development Aid Workers.

The Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies is unique being the only degree of its kind in Australia. This course was developed in consultation with NGOs to ensure what you learn is current and practical. Academics delivering this course include experts and practitioners from the United Nations agencies and international NGOs.

The degree for all humanity

You will gain knowledge and practical experience in disaster management, humanitarian response and development assistance. Using our state of the art facilities, the experiential learning techniques applied utilise your theoretical knowledge for emedded simulation activities, case, problem and solution-based studies.

The comprehensive field experience package enhances your learning, research and real world experience to ensure you are career ready. A major component of the degree is a placement overseas for a full semester, which will be assisted by international partners including United Nations agencies and international NGOs. During your placement you will work on implementing life-saving programs and policies.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Discover where a degree in the Humanitarian and Development field can take you.

Learn from the best

Western is a Top 150 University in the world for Sociology (QS World University Ranking).

Course structure

The course structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the units (subjects) you will be studying.

Select a major from our range below for more information.

You will develop knowlege in human rights, peace and development, international relations, complex emergencies, international guidelines, emergency field operations and much more.

In this major, you will develop your knowledge of human rights, peace, sustainability, international relations, issues in world development, sustainable futures and much more.

Fees and delivery

Select from the dropdown

Fees: Varies depending on units selected. View available units in our handbook. We have developed a student contribution fee calculator to help you work out what your contribution amount is per unit.

Apply now and start your unlimited journey.

Other study options

The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the course (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their course based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their course past the normal finish date of the course will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its courses between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of courses for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.